AVÌìÌÃ

Plumber Apprenticeship

Plumbers train to install, repair and maintain plumbing fixtures and systems such as water, hydronic, drainage, waste and vent (DWV), low pressure steam, chemical and irrigation.  Plumbers also work with specialized systems such as medical gas, process piping, compressed air, water conditioners, fuel piping, sewage and water treatment, and storage and flow equipment.

Level 1: 7 weeks
Level 2: 8 weeks
Level 3: 7 weeks
Level 4: 8 weeks

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Plumbing apprentice uses digital instruments to measure the system performance.
Program details
Admission requirements
Financial incentives
Contact
Apply to OC

Campus

  • Kelowna
View training schedule
Legend:
  • Full program offered
  • Partial program offered

Credential

Apprenticeship

Delivery options

Full-Time

Tuition and fees

Tuition and fees depend on your intended level of study, as well as the campus location.

Program details

Program Outline
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Safety
  • Tools
  • Pipes, valves and fittings
  • Rigging
  • Cutting, soldering and brazing
  • Drafting and blueprint reading
Textbooks and supplies for Level 1
  • Perform Safety Related Functions Lev 1 Harmonized Binder $65.49
  • Use Tools & Equipment Lev 1 Harmonized Binder $117.49
  • Perform Routine Trade Activities Lev 1 Harmonized Binder $103.29
  • Prepare Piping & Components Lev 1 Harmonized Binder $104.29
    Total: $390.56

5% GST is not included in price. Price is subject to change.

Other required supplies:
  • CSA Approved Hard Hat
  • CSA Approved Work Boots (Steel Toed)
  • Long pants and t-shirts are required in the shop at all times
  • Safety Glasses
  • Architects Scale Rule (Imperial Measurement)
  • Binder
  • Pencils, Pens, Erasers
  • One of the following: Sharp EL-520W, EL-520X, EL-531X calculator to write IP Exam

Government-issued picture ID is required to write the provincial and national exams: driver's licence, photo ID or valid passport. Student ID cards are not acceptable.

Program Outline
  • Hot water heating systems
  • Piping drawings and specifications
  • Rough-in and finishing
  • Drainage and venting systems
  • Compressed air and medical gas
  • Leveling instruments and tools
Textbooks and supplies
  • Plumber Apprentice Level 2 Book 1 Harmonized 2021: $90.29
  • Plumber Apprentice Level 2 Book 2 Harmonized 2021: $124.99
  • National Plumbing Code of Canada 2020: $55.49
    Total: $270.77

5% GST is not included in price. Price is subject to change.

Other required supplies
  • CSA-approved hard hat
  • CSA-approved steel toed work boots
  • Long pants and T-shirts are required in the shop at all times
  • Safety glasses
  • Architect's scale rule (with imperial measurement)
  • Binder
  • Pencils, pens, erasers
  • Calculator for the IP exam, one of the following: Sharp EL-520W, EL-520X, EL-531X

Government-issued picture ID is required to write the provincial and national exams: driver's licence, photo ID or valid passport. Student ID cards are not acceptable.

Preparing for the first day

Level 2 apprentices are required to be prepared for the first day of class:

  • You will write a math and science exam based on the Level 1 curriculum. This exam mark will be included in your Level 2 final grade calculation.
  • You will need a calculator, pencil and eraser to write the math and science exam.
  • You need to purchase your Level 2 textbooks prior to attending your first day of class. This can be done by going to the College Bookstore at the Kelowna Campus.
  • You will be moving into the Plumbing Code after completing the exam.
Program Outline
  • Drainage and venting systems
  • Potable water systems
  • Rural water systems
  • Piping drawings and specifications
  • Gasfitting
Textbooks and supplies
  • Year 3 Plumbing Apprenticeship package: $203.99
  • National Plumbing Code of Canada 2020 (if not already purchased): $55.49
  • Cross Connection Control for Plumbing and Pipe Trades: $85.99
  • CSA B-149.1 Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code: $287.79
  • Domestic/Commercial Gasfitting Program Level B Modules A-G: $59.99
    Total: $693.25

5% GST is not included in price. Price is subject to change.

Other required supplies
  • CSA-approved hard hat
  • CSA-approved steel toed work boots
  • Long pants and T-shirts are required in the shop at all times
  • Safety glasses
  • Architect's scale rule (with imperial measurement)
  • Binder
  • Pencils, pens, erasers
  • Calculator for the IP exam, one of the following: Sharp EL-520W, EL-520X, EL-531X

Government-issued picture ID is required to write the provincial and national exams: driver's licence, photo ID or valid passport. Student ID cards are not acceptable.

Prepare for your first day

There will be a Plumbing Code exam on Day 1 which will encompass the material covered in the Drainage and Venting Systems portion of Level 2. Please bring your B.C. or Canadian Plumbing Code book, a calculator, pencil and eraser and come prepared to write this test as it will be counted toward your final mark for Level 3.

Important Information

Students have the option to write the Cross Connection Control exam during this level. Students must register for the exam with AVÌìÌà ($125) AND with the BC Waste Water Association (BCCWA) (approx. $120). Students must be registered with the BCWWA two weeks prior to the exam date. No refunds will be issued if cancellations are within a week of the exam date.

Program Outline
  • install and light gas appliances
  • hot water heating systems
  • gasfitting
  • electrical CCTS and gas controls
  • rural sewage
  • drainage and venting systems
There is an additional cost to write the BC Gasfitter Level "B" Certification - approximately $355.95 payable to the BC Safety Authority (not run through AVÌìÌÃ).

Students are required to have their ITA apprenticeship card in order to make an application for this exam. Please bring your card in on the first day of class.

Requirements - Class B Exam
  • Be an ITA registered apprentice in plumbing, steamfitting or refrigeration mechanic
  • Successfully completed all 4 levels of technical training with a minimum of 3 years workplace hours achieved, indicated by transcript or the minimum of: Plumbing: 4815 hours, Steamfitting: 4215 hours, Refrigeration Mechanic: 5415 hours
Textbooks and Supplies for Level 4:
  • Year 4 Plumbing Apprentice Package: $79.29
  • National Plumbing Code of Canada 2020 (if not already purchased): $55.49
  • CAN/CSA B149.1-20 Nat. Gas Propane Installation Code (if not already purchased): $287.79
  • Domestic/Commercial Gasfitting Program Level B Modules A-G (if not already purchased): $59.99
  • Domestic/Commercial Gasfitting Program Level B Modules H-O: $85.29
    Total: $567.85

5% GST is not included in price. Price is subject to change.

Other required supplies
  • Coveralls
  • CSA-approved hard hat
  • CSA-approved steel toed work boots
  • Long pants and T-shirts are required in the shop at all times
  • Safety glasses
  • Binder
  • Pencils, pens, erasers
  • Calculator for the IP exam, one of the following: Sharp EL-520W, EL-520X, EL-531X
  • Government-issued ID is required to write the provincial and national exams - driver's license, photo ID, or valid passport. Student cards are not acceptable.
Be prepared for class

There will be a gasfitting exam on Day 1 which will encompass the material covered in the gasfitting portion of Level 3. Please bring your B149.1 Gas Code book, a calculator, pencil and eraser.

Important Information

There is an additional cost to write the BC Gasfitter Level "B" Certification - approximately $355.95 payable to the BC Safety Authority (not run through AVÌìÌÃ). Students are required to have their ITA apprenticeship card in order to make application for this exam. Please bring your card in on the first day of class.

Requirements - Class B Exam
  • Be an ITA registered apprentice in plumbing, steamfitting or refrigeration mechanic
  • Successfully completed all 4 levels of technical training* with a minimum of 3 years workplace hours achieved, indicated by transcript or the minimum of:
    • Plumbing: 4815 hours.
    • Steamfitting: 4215 hours
    • Refrigeration Mechanic: 5415 hours

The textbook list above was current at the time it was posted and may be used for initial planning purposes. Please check back with the bookstore 2 weeks before your program starts under Current Book List for a final, updated list of book titles and prices, and to order!

Textbooks available online only at . If you have any questions, call 250-862-5638 or email campusstores@okanagan.bc.ca.

It takes approximately two to three business days to fill the online orders, please be sure to purchase the necessary items prior to the 1st day of class.

PlumberApprenticeship

Admission requirements

  • Registered as an apprentice with SkilledTradesBC.
  • Must be working for an employer with at least one qualified journeyperson. 
  • Not registered as an apprentice? Ask your employer to register you as an apprentice with SkilledTradesBC. It’s free, simple, and can be completed within a few minutes online. More details can be found at

Financial Incentives

The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant provides direct support to apprentices in the first two years of an approved apprenticeship training program (Red Seal trades). The taxable grant is $1,000 for Level 1 and $1,000 for Level 2. This grant is only available after you have completed the specified level of technical training and have a specific number of work-based hours on your SkilledTradesBC transcript.

Please note this benefit will end March 31, 2025 – all students who complete their technical training and work-based hours before this date may still apply until March 31, even without receipt of their Confirmation of Progression letter from STBC.

The Apprenticeship Completion Grant is a $2,000 taxable cash grant for apprentices who complete their apprenticeship training and obtain Red Seal endorsement or a provincial/territorial certificate of qualification in a designated Red Seal trade.

Please note this benefit will end March 31, 2025 – all students who complete their technical training and work-based hours before this date may still apply until March 31, even without receipt of their Confirmation of Progression letter from STBC.

WorkBC Apprenticeship Supports

Apprentice financial supports are available to eligible apprentices while they’re completing their classroom apprenticeship training. Apprentices may be able for supports which cover costs such as child card, transportation, disability, and more. Once an apprentice , a 16-digit reference code will be emailed to them. Use the 16-digit reference code for the Service Canada EI application. 

Service Canada EI Application

Apprentices attending full-time technical training (sometimes referred to as block-release training), they may be eligible to receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits while unemployed and attending your course. Refer to the .

Apprentices registered in a Red Seal trade apprenticeship program who meet the eligibility requirements may receive up to $4,000 in loans per period of technical training. The purpose of the CAL is to provide apprentices registered in Red Seal trades with loans to assist with the costs to attend technical training.

The LNG Canada Trades Training Fund supports small and medium employers that employ, sponsor and train apprentices in Northwest BC.  To be eligible to apply for funding support, the employer and student need to be a resident of Northwest BC (Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert, and surrounding areas of Highway 16 to Houston, BC).  Applications to the Trades Training Fund can be made by employers with business operations in Northwest BC on behalf of their apprentices and must be received one month prior to the class start.

The federal government will now provide tax recognition for the costs that many employed tradespeople incur to provide their own tools in their employment duties. A deduction (up to a maximum of $500/year) will be allowed for the total cost of new tools acquired by an employed tradesperson in a tax year in excess of $1000. Employer will need to certify that the employee is required to obtain those tools for use in employment activities.

Apprentices who complete their third and four year of any apprenticeship program may be eligible for a tax credit. The apprentice will receive the tax credit when they file their annual income taxes. Apprentices will be eligible for a tax credit of $2,000 for completing Level 3 and a credit for $2,500 for completing Level 4 of any apprenticeship. For more information visit www.sbr.gov.bc.ca. 

Your T2202A tax form is available online via myOkanagan on the last day of February.
To access your tax form:

  1. Login to
  2. Username: firstname.lastname@myokanagan.bc.ca
  3. Password: birthdate (mmddyyyy) (you will be asked to update your password the first time you login)
  4. Click the "T2202A Tax Form" link under Online Services

If you have any problems accessing your myOkanagan account, please call IT Services at 1-866-839-4032 or complete an online myOkanagan .

Additional information

View the official Calendar details and policies
Learn more about the department
View the Tuition and fees page

Ask

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Register with SkilledTradesBC prior to applying to an apprenticeship program.

Apply

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Trades and Apprenticeship
Address

T115 - 1000 KLO Rd.
Kelowna BC V1Y 4X8
Canada

Phone
(1250) 862-5457
(1800) 621-3038
Email
trades@okanagan.bc.ca
Office Hours
Sunday: Closed
Monday - Friday: 7:30-4:00
Saturday: Closed